Trustee Board

Gemma Donaldson
External Trustee, Remuneration & HR (Chair)
Gemma Donaldson is an experienced higher‑education professional who has spent her career helping universities and colleges run smoothly and supporting the communities within them. She is currently the Bursar of StCross College, University of Oxford, and previously worked as Domus Bursar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. In these roles, she has led large teams, delivered major projects and helped ensure that students and staff have the services, facilities and support they need to thrive. Before working in colleges, Gemma held senior roles at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London. At LSHTM, she supported teaching and research across a wide‑ranging faculty, worked closely with students and staff based in the UK and overseas, and contributed to the School’s governance through committee work and service as an elected members on its Council. Gemma brings to the Students’ Union extensive experience in improving how organisations work, strengthening accountability, and helping to create inclusive, well‑run environments. She is committed to ensuring that SU decision‑making is transparent, responsible and genuinely student‑focused, and values the opportunity to use her sector experience to support the interests and wellbeing of Cambridge students. Alongside her professional roles, Gemma has been a Girlguiding Leader for over 20 years, supporting girls and young women to build confidence and develop new skills through a wide range of activities and international experiences.